EVANSTON, Ill. -– Playing a man down following a red card in the 12^th minute of play, a shorthanded UIC men's soccer team pushed Big Ten foe Northwestern to overtime Tuesday. The Flames took a lead in the second half, but a late equalizer and eventual game-winner gave the Wildcats the 2-1 victory in overtime.
 
Christian Crespo was sent off in the 12^th minute, forcing the Flames to play a man down for the remainder of the match. It didn't prevent UIC from attacking, with Jesus Perez giving the visitors a 1-0 lead in the 60^th minute.
 
Northwestern responded with a goal of their own in the 85^th minute to force overtime and scored in the eighth minute of the first extra period to complete the comeback.

"A red card issued in the 12^th minute usually results in the team receiving the red card to be on the ropes the remainder of the game.  However, our guys were smart defensively, carrying the game quite a bit and creating some quality chances," Sean Phillips said.  "The positive play carried over into the second half where scored a great goal.  Ultimately though, Northwestern was able to break us down in the last five minutes to force the overtime period where they found the game winner. Losing stings.  It always does.  However, I can't be more proud of how our guys battled and played tonight."

UIC is back in action Saturday, as the Flames go on the road to face Western Michigan at 3 p.m. (CT).
 
Moments That Mattered

• UIC fired off the first three shots of the game, all coming within the first 10 minutes of the game.
• The Flames were forced to play a man down beginning in the 12^th minute when Crespo was booked with a red card.
• Northwestern's first shot of the game came in the 23^rd minute, with Sokratis Vasilas recording his first save of the night.
• The Flames tallied their first shot on goal in the 29^th minute off the foot of Perez. He followed with another attempt on target in the 34^th minute.
• Perez broke the 0-0 stalemate in the 60^th minute off an assist from Eduardo Garcia.
• Northwestern's Ugo Achara, Jr. evened the score at 1-all in the 85^th minute, forcing the game to overtime.
• Vasilas saved a Wildcat attempt in the 97^th minute but Northwestern remained on the attack, scoring 51 seconds later to seal the 2-1 victory.

Facts and Figures

• Despite being a man down for most of the match, UIC held a 11-6 advantage in shots.
• The two teams each fired four shots on goal while Northwestern had the slight edge in corner kicks, 5-4
• The goal was the third of the year for Perez, who now has 11 points on the year.
• The Starting XI remained the same form the Detroit Mercy match.